Taking part in the forums are representatives from ten ASEAN member countries -- Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Burma, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam -- and eight East Asia Summit (EAS) partners including China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, New Zealand, Russia and the United States.

AMF-5 and EAMF-3 aimed to promote the key role of ASEAN in enhancing maritime co-operation and building trust in the region through negotiations and consultations, particularly in regards to ensuring maritime security and safety in the East Sea in accordance with international law, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, according to the report.

The two events are also expected to serve as channels for participants to discuss issues related to maritime collaboration, focusing on building trust and ensuring maritime security and safety.

Addressing the AMF-5 opening ceremony on Tuesday, Nguyen Vu Tu, deputy head of the Vietnamese delegation to high-level meetings at the event, said that maritime cooperation has gained in significance and is now a priority for ASEAN member countries and their cooperation partners.

During the events, which will last on Thursday, the participants will also discuss how to manage and protect marine eco-systems, biodiversity and aquatic resources, and boost cooperation regarding the member states' respective fishery sectors, the agency reported.

ASEAN is now operating 11 maritime cooperation mechanisms covering areas such as defense, transnational crime prevention, transport, fisheries, tourism and the environment, according to VNA.

The previous 4th AMF and 2nd EAMF were held in Malaysia’s capital of Kuala Lumpur in October 2013.